What are the 10 steps to perform CPR?
Here are the 10 steps to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) for an adult:
1. Check for responsiveness:
- Gently shake and shout to the person, "Are you okay?"
- If there is no response, the person is unresponsive and CPR may be necessary.
2. Call for help:
- If you are alone, call 911 or your local emergency number before starting CPR.
- If someone else is present, ask them to call for emergency medical help while you begin CPR.
3. Open the airway:
- Place the person on their back on a flat surface.
- Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.
- If there is an obstruction in the airway (such as vomit or a foreign object), try to remove it using a finger sweep.
4. Check for breathing:
- Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
- If the person is not breathing or only gasping, they require rescue breaths.
5. Give rescue breaths:
- Pinch the person's nose shut and cover their entire mouth with your mouth.
- Give two slow, gentle breaths, allowing the chest to rise fully between each breath.
- Watch for the chest to rise and fall with each breath.
6. Start chest compressions:
- Position your hands on the center of the person's chest, between the nipples.
- Lock your elbows and use your upper body weight to deliver chest compressions.
- Press down firmly and evenly, compressing the chest about 3.8 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) deep.
- Allow the chest to recoil fully after each compression.
- Perform chest compressions at a rate of approximately 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Use a metronome or the beat of a song like "Stayin' Alive" to help maintain the correct rhythm.
7. Continue cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths:
- Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- Repeat this cycle until an automated external defibrillator (AED) arrives, emergency medical help takes over, or the person starts showing signs of life.
8. Use an AED (if available):
- If an AED is nearby, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
- Attach the AED pads to the person's chest as indicated by the device.
- The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed.
- If a shock is advised, stand clear and allow the AED to deliver the shock.
9. Continue CPR until help arrives:
- Continue performing CPR until emergency medical help arrives or the person starts showing signs of life (movement, breathing, coughing, etc.).
- Do not stop CPR unless the person's condition improves, you become too exhausted to continue, or you are relieved by someone else trained in CPR.
10. Be prepared for a prolonged response:
- CPR can be physically and emotionally demanding. Be prepared to perform CPR for several minutes until emergency medical help arrives.
Remember, learning CPR properly is essential to effectively respond to cardiac emergencies. It's recommended to take a certified CPR training course to gain hands-on practice and receive detailed instructions from certified professionals.